The Crafts

Our Christmas Included a Not So Nice Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 02:38:00 +0000

On December 18th, while shopping at Hobby Lobby, I got a call from Hannah’s teacher and the school at the exact same time. One second later my husband called as well. It couldn’t be good, so I left my basket where it was and headed to the car while answering the phone to Hannah’s teacher. She said that Hannah fell out of her chair at school, went unconscious and was seizing of sorts. She was confused when she came out of it and complained of her head hurting severely before it all happened. Of course all I could say to her precious teacher was “Oh my God” over and over. Can you imagine how terrifying that must’ve been to witness? God Bless her and all the staff that came to Hannah’s side that day.

Nothing can prepare you for that moment. That heartbreaking phone call that something terrible has happened to your child with no warning at all.

We had never experienced anything like this with her before.

I get to her school, and find her in the nurse’s room, in the dark, and she suddenly just started crying. The nurse described to me what happened and we headed straight to Children’s. We didn’t have to wait at all and thankfully daddy came running through the door at the exact moment we needed him. God is good. I've never been so happy to see that man.

They ran some blood work and asked Hannah in her own words what happened, as well as what her teacher had described, and how I saw her afterwards.She had no fever, no illness of any sort. They knew it wasn’t a febrile seizure right away {the kind children have when they have a very high temperate}. About an hour later, Hannah spiked a fever and vomited. She immediately fell asleep after. SO unlike her. It was odd and off so they gave her Zofran and Motrin. Daddy had to leave to pick up Noah (this all happened around 10:30 am and we didn’t leave the hospital until 2pm) so I had to pull it together and remember everything they were telling me. Her blood work came back perfect. Part of me was hoping it’d pick up SOMETHING to explain why this happened. We were looking at a possible CT scan for crying out loud. They determined they should wait on any radiology testing. They could not run an EEG that day because if she did in fact have a seizure at school, her brain waves would be off on the scan.

All this the week before Christmas. Towards the end of our visit, they mentioned that Hannah possibly had an Absence Seizure. My heart just dropped. Kids can develop these between 6-12 years of age. They can easily go unnoticed because there's typically no loss of consciousness.

A lot of friends and family prayed with us and I got the call December 23rd that Hannah could get the EEG she desperately needed on December 26th! Wonderful, amazing news and exactly what I wanted all along. She also was able to get Hannah in with the neurologist the following Monday. I couldn’t have been more thankful or happy with all the people who went out of their way to help us and get us in SO soon.

That evening, as I was going over the paperwork for Hannah’s EEG, I discovered that it was a SLEEP-DEPRIVED EEG! The morning after Christmas! Hannah was to go to bed at 12am and wake up no later than 4am. I was so stressed all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I couldn’t think straight. I was already tired, and we had so much to do both days with family to see and family to host at our house; I just didn’t know how we could make it all night. Daddy stayed up with us and thankfully we had a lot of new toys to keep us busy! We couldn’t risk watching a movie and all falling asleep!

What’s better than skating inside!

It started getting tough around 11pm, so Hannah and I made up a batch of homemade cookies. Sadly, Santa missed out!
Our sweet girl was begging to go to bed by 12!

Hannah had her EEG Friday morning.

It was just her and I in a lovely little kid-themed room. The tech was a sweetheart and it was perfectly suitable to fall asleep in such a place.

She did so well and was so brave!
I was so worried for three days about how on earth anyone could fall asleep just like that!
Praise the Lord, Hannah fell asleep as soon as the tech told her she could. Mommy fell asleep too. It helped than Hannah had her lovies with her. Afterwards, she unhooked Hannah, cleaned the goop out of her hair and we headed to the kitchen for some yummy snacks and coffee for me! Easy Peasy! We went home and had a relaxed day. Now to just wait through the weekend to see the neuro on Monday.

I was heartbroken standing in the waiting room of the Pediatric Neurologist. SO many children, so many issues, so terribly sad. I hugged my babies tighter that day. We spent a good 30 minutes with the Neurologist running all sorts of neuro exams. The doctor was a sweetheart. At the end, I got the news I was not expecting. Hannah’s EEG was completely normal. They could not induce a seizure. Good? I guess? I mean… yes it’s great and I am thankful, but what does it mean!? She said no one on earth could tell us what happened that day, or if it’ll happen again. That it would HAVE to happen again before any neuro could make a definitive diagnosis. We don’t have to see her again unless it happens again.

Don’t get me wrong, I am so thankful for healthy kids. Not knowing if or when or what will happen again though is just terrifying. I’m actually glad this all happened during winter break, so that I could be with Hannah every waking moment.

Thank you to everyone who came together, and called, and prayed, and sent wonderful thoughts our way, and came to see Hannah to brighten our days. It was perfect, and wonderful and so appreciated. Here’s to hoping it never happens again. If it does, I can only hope that Hannah is surrounded with people who care as much as her teacher did that day.

Crazy Antics from our Elves!

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 15:30:00 +0000

James and Pippa have gotten into a lot of things this month. Lots of giggles have come from Hannah and Noah each morning!

Every year when James and Pippa arrive, they have a North Pole Breakfast all set up for the kids! Sadly, I didn't get pictures!

The 4th day James and Pippa were with us, they had a birthday surprise set up for Noah!

More silly shenanigans:

The last night they were with us, they left a note saying their goodbyes. They let the kids know they could be held all day and then they would return to the North Pole that night. We miss them and their fun and can't wait to see them again!

Christmas Day!

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 14:00:00 +0000

We had a great Christmas Day!

It was full of love, and family, and food and fun!

Christmas morning at our house is always crazy and messy!

Santa gifts! :)

Me the night before thinking, "this thing is huge.. great idea Santa!"

Noah LOVED his remote control helicopter from Santa!

Lucy was thrilled with her new bone!

Lots of new clothes from Justice!

Hannah was so happy she got her a mini iPad!

The kids skated around in their rollerblades from Santa all week!

After opening presents at out house, and watching the traditional Macy's Christmas Day Parade, we headed to my in-laws for more Christmas Fun!

We also spent Christmas with my family after that! Sadly, we didn't get any pictures! We are so lucky to have so much family near us. It makes for crazy holidays, driving all over!

We had a very merry Christmas! Thankfully, we had lots of things to keep us occupied. We had to keep Hannah awake almost all night for an EEG early the next morning!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Christmas Eve 2015!

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 14:00:00 +0000

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve as always! We spent Christmas Eve at my mother-in-laws and then went to Lake Pointe church for their Christmas Eve service.

And one of my favorite traditions, leaving reindeer food for Santa’s reindeers!

Always have to have lots of treats for Santa! He gets really hungry! May you all have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

Santa's Village 2015!

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:19:00 +0000

We LOVE Santa's Village in Richardson. We have gone every year since Hannah was 3 and the kids really enjoy it.
This year, because of Hannah's seizing episode at school, it wasn't as much fun for her because she was experiencing headaches daily and we were still concerned about bright lights before having her EEG not knowing what was going on.
We still managed to have a lot of fun, we just left a bit early this year.

Our sweet friends came with us just like last year! It's always more fun with your buddies.

Writing letters to Santa!

Mailing letters to the North Pole!

?
Reindeer noses!

Happy Birthday Jesus Party

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:26:00 +0000

Noah’s school has a “Happy Birthday Jesus” party for each class along with Christmas Chapel. I got the pleasure of hosting and decorating the party since I’m room mom for his class.
Chapel with the kids was adorable as always and afterwards it was time to eat! The kids all had so much fun and received precious baby Jesus ornaments to take home.

We just had to make extra popcorn mix for ourselves. It is SO good!

We made these adorable snow globe ornaments for Noah’s teachers!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Noah’s 5th Birthday: Lego Style!

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 02:31:00 +0000

James and Pippa started the party off right with breakfast, a gift and some yummy breakfast on the morning of Noah’s birthday.

We also let Noah open all of his presents from us!

That night, we went out to dinner with my in-laws. Noah got more presents! He was a happy little guy!

We had dinner, sang happy birthday and opened his gifts. By open, I mean he opened half of the toys at the table! Anything for the birthday boy!

The following Sunday, it was party time!
While looking around at Toys R Us, we even saw a giant Lego Fireman! Noah was a little unsure about him {because he was so life-like} but he then got very excited and reminded me how I need to take him to Lego Land!

You guessed it! The always-amazing cake was made by Noah’s Aunt Christy! We just love her to pieces! This time, Uncle Carl helped! He made almost all the Legos on the cake!

Noah enjoyed having his classmates and best friends at the party! We were just missing a few cousins :(

After lots of playing on the giant playground, it was time for pizza and cake! I loved having the party at Kid Mania! I walked by our party room and saw that our party host had already done all the decorating for me. I was so surprised!

We sang Happy Birthday and took all the presents home to open!

We appreciate everyone coming to share Noah’s special day with him!
Happy 5th Birthday sweet boy!

And, for a little look back:
When he turned 4:

When he turned 3:

When he turned 2:

When he turned 1:

When he was born!:

We love you baby bug!
xoxo

Christmas Photos

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 22:14:00 +0000

I didn’t have time this year to hire a photographer, so we went out to the woods and took our own!

I just love these sweet kiddos. They truly are our greatest blessings in life!

November fun and Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:11:00 +0000

I thought I would just combine all of November into one post!

First, Noah had his end of the season soccer game and party! I don’t know that he will play again but we will see. He loves soccer and is good at it but wants to branch out I think…

Hannah lost her 7th tooth!

Noah’s school held a Finger Food Feast for Thanksgiving. It was so much fun!

And, we had a fun Thanksgiving Day with our family. Afterwards, we decorated the house for Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Unicorn’s End of the Season Party! {Fall 2014}

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 15:55:00 +0000

I can’t believe this soccer season is already over! This is the Unicorn’s 4th season of being together. We’ve developed amazing friendships with every girl and their families. We were so excited to have some new players this year as well! My hope is, that majority of the girls will stay together for as long as possible! Up through high school maybe? ;)

The party was to be held at a park to let the girls play, but it was a rainy day. So we met at a frozen yogurt place instead! The girls had a blast.

This was the girl’s first year playing with goalies and they all did such an amazing job in each of their roles. They played well together as a team and won every game!

Trophy time!

Coach Doug and our silly girls!

Can’t wait until next season!

Let’s Glow Skating {Hannah is 7!}

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:49:00 +0000

First, I cannot believe I have a 7 year old! How did that happen!?

With so many projects going on this year, Hannah being in first grade, mommy and daddy being in school, and redecorating our house, I kind of took it easy with this party. Hannah wanted a glow party at Papa and Nana’s skating rink, which was so perfect for me because mostly everything was already done for us!

We invited Hannah’s soccer team girls, a few of her best friends from kinder last year, and our friends and family. It was quaint and fun! {Check out her party from last year with the crazy {but awesome} amount of birthday friends, and you’ll know why we took it easy this time!!}

Hannah’s actual birthday is September 28th, which was Sunday… and both kids had soccer games Saturday morning. Between birthday stuff and soccer stuff, we decided to knock it all out Saturday because wanted a full day on Sunday to spend with daddy since he works 6 days a week! Wow was that a run-on sentence.

Let’s get to the glow party fun! {We didn’t get a whole lot of pictures, because the camera did not want to cooperate under all the black lights!}

Her invite::

The adorable cake was made by my SIL!!

Hannah is doing so well skating this year.. We are so proud of her!

But trying to hula-hoop on skates… is a different story ;)
Face painting and balloon animals for all!

We are so thankful to everyone who came and made Hannah’s special day so fun!

Happy Birthday sweet girl! Mom and dad love you so much!

SEA LIFE Aquarium {a little playdate}

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 02:53:00 +0000

It was so beautiful last week for it being July. By beautiful I mean it was breezy and cool and raining and just lovely, to me anyways. Some friends of ours were planning to go to an aquarium so we decided to invite ourselves! We all chose to go to the Grapevine Aquarium since the Octonauts were in town! The kids love the show and so do our friends so it was perfect. We went right when it opened and finished up with lunch at the mall.

There were lots of “bubbles” that the kids could go in like they were inside the tank. They thought it was funny and it’s a pretty cool picture opportunity!

One of the rooms was a “touch room” where they had beautiful starfish and some sea urchins the kids could feel. Noah was a little apprehensive at first. But after watching Hannah and mommy, he stuck his hand right in! The starfish moved when we touched them, which we thought was so cool!

Hannah absolutely loved this little octopus she found hiding in a jar!

At the entrance, we picked up these fun scratch off cards. As we made our way through the different rooms, there were questions on the tanks. You would choose an answer and scratch it off on the card to reveal a check mark or an X. If you got all check marks, you got a prize at the end. We guessed correctly on every question {after Googling a few} and the kids got a “Fact Finder” medal in the gift shop at the end. They were so proud of themselves! Of course Hannah couldn’t leave without a lovey {stuffed animal}, so we got a sweet cuddly stingray.

We made our way through half of the aquarium and realized the stingrays were going to be fed soon. We ran back through to see that happen. We just love stingrays!

Kwazii from Octonauts was in one room towards the end and the kids got to take their picture with him. He was one of the first characters we’ve been around that the kids weren’t terrified of! I was so proud of them.

It was so much fun on such a rainy day!

{Sorry for the picture qaulity… cell phone pictures!}

Our friend got us $5 off tickets when we went and we were so thankful. Of course, as I am writing this I find free ones!Because I am such a nice person: Here’s a coupon for a FREE child’s ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket! You can get up to 4 free kids tickets. Pretty great deal!

Happy Independence Day {2014}!

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 21:09:00 +0000

This July 4th was more laid back than usual. Ever since I was a little girl, we have gone to the lake with our entire family. This year, one of my brother’s is in the process of buying a new {awesome} house, my other brother had a baby girl {she’s amazing} and we have been so busy with my applying to nursing school and Josh changing jobs.

On the 4th we went to a parade in McKinney that we went to last year. We thought it’d be fun to keep attending a July 4th parade each year! We even got an identical picture to last year’s photo! We also went to our town’s firework show that evening with my in-laws {the kid’s grandparents and uncle}. Hannah and Noah found a friend to play with so we set up the tailgate, music and a game of football with the adults! It was so much fun!

The weekend prior to July 4th, we got to go out to my brother’s land and check out his new house! It was so beautiful out there and we are so happy for them!

{ I didn’t bring my camera with me all weekend, so these are all from my phone! Sorry!}

I couldn’t possibly pass up our tradition of lake time, so even though my brothers weren't going and neither was Josh {he had to work}, I took the kids up to the lake for a day with my mom. My brother let us stay in his house, and the kids were SO excited. It was like a whole new trip for them since we had the house all to ourselves. We set off fireworks, made s’mores, watched tons of firework shows and played with sparklers. We also spent a day at the beach which was a lot of fun!

The beach was totally packed!

We hope you enjoyed Independence day as much as we did!
Happy 4th

Hannah’s Last day of Kindergarten!

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 20:25:00 +0000

We cannot believe we are now the proud parents of a FIRST grader! Whoa! She made it through Kindergarten in true Hannah style. She was always well behaved and very loved by her teacher. She got THE best kinder teacher any kid or momma could ever ask for. Hannah learned so much but was always a step ahead on learning as well… I think it helped a lot that she was older being that her birthday is in September. It feels like just yesterday we sent her off and now she’s out!

They grow up SO fast!

She was just a tiny thing!

And then, she grew up…

She got out the second week of June and Noah had already been out of school for two weeks. My classes had ended as well so him and I were already in the lazy summer mode.

We went straight to summer-time fun as soon as she got out of school, and we haven’t looked back!

A Party and a Program {Last Day of Kindergarten}

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 23:59:00 +0000

Hannah had the sweetest little programs during the last few days of school. In her class program, she was a chicken. In the kinder program, she was a bunny! Both of them just melted our hearts!! The teachers did such a great job putting everything together.

Hannah and Mrs. Davis {sweetest kinder teacher ever!}

Then, on the very last day of kinder, there was a kindergarten party day and awards in Hannah’s class. I was so happy to be able to be there and Hannah was so happy to have her daddy there as well! The kids were able to wander about the 4 kindergarten rooms, eat popsicles, play games, make crafts and play outside! Noah felt like such a big boy getting to tag along!

After the some adorable songs and the awards, was the sweetest slideshow of the class throughout the year. There were many tears flowing in the room!

We will miss Mrs. Davis so much! But, we are praying that Noah gets her as his teacher next year!

Noah’s Last Day of Pre-K 4’s!

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Thu, 22 May 2014 21:05:00 +0000

I cannot believe the fall of this year will bring my baby boy’s LAST year of preschool ever! He went three days this year and absolutely loved it. Our little guy learned so much about our Savior, made so many wonderful friends, and learned so much academically as well. I couldn’t have asked for a better preschool or better teachers! Next year, he will go 4 days a week. What is so crazy to me, is how much he grew in one year. I am pretty sure he grew more than 3 inches! He went from being a size 3 in September, to a size 5 this summer! It just blows my mind. He is getting so big and so smart, just like his sister. They both are such a joy to us and we are so proud of who they are! These last preschool years are more upsetting to me than they were in regards to Hannah because Noah is my last baby! My last little one to send off to preschool… But, we have so much fun and life is getting easier with little ones!

Here is his, so precious looking, on his first day of pre-k!

I just swoon… could he be any more handsome!?

The last few days of school were filled with parties, programs, chapel and more! He was beyond excited to show Hannah and I around his class, and to show us all the things he had been making. He literally read his entire ABC’s book to Hannah and I. I was so proud of him, and so proud of Hannah for listening so intently and being such a great big sister.

Funny story… After the first song the kids sang, it got real quiet waiting for the music to start. All of a sudden I hear Noah say Mom! Mom!… The microphone was very close to him, mind you. I kind of do some hand gestures to get him to keep quiet. But then he yells “I gotta go POTTY”!!! and his voice echoed throughout the church. I died laughing. I quickly ran up to get him off stage and when we came back, Josh told us how several other kids followed suit after us. Too funny!

He is so precious, smart, handsome, caring, passionate and loving! He’s grown so much in one year. I cannot wait to see what his future holds!

Lightning Soccer 2014

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 23:32:00 +0000

My little soccer machine did SO great this year!
He’s becoming really good with his foot work and he takes direction really well!
The spring soccer season is over and he’s starting T-ball for the first time in a few weeks! I can’t wait!

Little stud muffins!

Bluebonnets 2014

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 03:52:00 +0000

The Texas Bluebonnets came and went very quickly this year! I feel like they usually stick around a bit longer.
The kids really enjoyed the flowers this year! Hannah is such a huge nature lover. We call her our flower child!

There weren’t very many of the little guy because he just cannot see in the sun without his glasses!
Mommy just wanted to see his baby blues…

And they’re off!

First {and hopefully last} broken bone…

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 18:48:00 +0000

Our sweet girl broke her elbow on January 4th, 2014! We made it 6 years without any major injuries! Sadly, our good luck streak came to an end.

You know the song… “No more monkeys jumping on the bed”…

Well, our little monkey was stacking pillows on our bed, laid on top of them too close to the edge, and slammed her elbow into the wall when she fell off with the pillows. There were a lot of tears and a lot of screaming. It was around bath time, so once I calmed her down I put both kiddos in the tub. She was okay during the bath and I had kind of put it out of my mind like any other boo-boo.

However, while I was drying Hannah off, the screaming started all over again. It actually scared me because I didn’t think her elbow was really that hurt. Obviously this wasn’t a typical boo-boo. We quickly and painfully got dressed, and loaded up the car to head to an after-hours pediatrician.

She was so sad looking. I was broken-hearted that I couldn’t take her pain away! She would not move it from her lap and I did everything I could to protect her from having to, or from someone hitting it. They x-rayed her arm as best they could {she was in a ton of pain} and said they thought it was fractured at her elbow! Ouch! They put her in a temporary hard cast and sling and sent us home.

It happened on a Saturday, so we had to wait until Monday to see her pediatrician. We saw and amazing Ortho at her peds office and had to get more x-rays. It didn’t go over well, but not as bad as the first time. It helped that the doctor was so amazing with her!

The doctor confirmed there was a break in the very tip of the humerus, that could be fully healed in a few weeks. Of course little miss picked out a hot pink, waterproof cast! She was in it for 5 weeks.

Thankfully it wasn’t her right arm {she’s a righty}, and she didn’t waste any time continuing to create her beautiful artwork for us!

It took a little getting used to as far as sleeping and bathing, but she had fun letting her friends and teacher sign it at school.

The weeks went by quickly and it was finally time to get the cast off! The doctor warned us that her arm may feel funny after the cast came off. I thought she would be okay, since the whole time she had her cast on, she claimed her elbow was all better {granted, she couldn’t move it}.

In reality, it felt very weird for Hannah having her cast off because those muscles hadn’t been used. The screaming started all over again at first, and she cried often. She would hold it in the same bent position as it was in the cast. She even requested to have her sling back! I had to encourage her to flex and move her arm when she was able so that she could get everything moving again.

Since she was so brave throughout the whole ordeal, we went on a mommy-daughter date. We painted some cute pottery and it sort of took her mind off her pain!

After about two days, everything was back to normal and she was swinging and jumping and climbing again. We were so happy to have our adventurous girl back!

Happy 60th Birthday Mom!

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 21:59:00 +0000

My sweet mother turned the big SIX-ZERO this month! She’s been the biggest supporter and biggest blessing to me throughout my life. We stood strong together while my dad was sick, and held each other together when he passed. She is and always will be my rock. My dad went to heaven to find peace, and she was here all the while. Nothing could take the place of him being gone but she more than made up for the hole in my heart.

She is wonderful, inspiring, strong, caring, independent and downright amazing.

Happy birthday momma!

{Her biggest fans}

Merry Christmas {2013}

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 02:22:00 +0000

Every year, Christmas gets more fun because the kids get older. Their excitement makes me SO happy! We started off with Christmas morning at our house. We opened presents, watched the parade {just like I have since I was little, and the kids really enjoyed it this year!}, opened new toys and started playing with them, and had breakfast in our pjs.

That hair!

Around noon we went to my FIL’s house to have Christmas with him and Josh’s stepmom and her family {who are all essentially our family of course}. It’s always a good time at the elder Craft house! The most kids in the family belong to this side. So the kids of course have a blast no matter what holiday it is because they have someone to play with! My FIL always cooks up a delicious meal! After we ate, the kids played some more then it was time for our tradition of a gift exchange. We all draw a number, presents get stolen, you get the point. It’s always a fun time! We then exchanged presents for the siblings and cousins and opened our own. The kids were overwhelmed by how much cool stuff they got. We have the best family all around!

Husband had to show me what was being opened because it was a madhouse!

After that, we still had more Christmas fun to be had! Christmas with my family! It’s actually kind of a sad time for me. Since my father passed away 6 years ago, our family just hasn’t stuck together like I thought it would. It has dwindled down to just my brothers, their family and my mom, stepdad and stepsister. It’s lovely being with them all, but just not the same going from the massive Christmases we used to have. Anyways, we were so involved in the gift exchange at my FIL’s, that we totally forgot to look at the clock! We were over an hour late to my brother’s. I felt AWFUL! They only get to see us for a short time and my mom was sort of sad. So sorry mom! My kids were also sad because their cousin, Ethan was at his dad’s for Christmas. But we still got to see sweet Miss Summer so we were ok :) My family whipped up a nice meal but we didn’t get to enjoy it because we were so full already!

Side note: Noah has been super into taking pictures on both of our cameras. We should’ve taken a hint and gotten him his own child-proof camera for Christmas! Anyways, he was taking pictures {really good ones} and accidentally dropped our camera! I thought it’d be okay but turns out almost all of our pictures were blurry and the zoom on the lens broke. So most of our pictures are random or blurry but they were the best we had! Grrr…

We had a fabulous, very merry Christmas. We hope you and your family had the best time ever!
Merry Christmas loves!

{Christmas Eve} 2013

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 02:46:00 +0000

On Christmas Eve we:
opened the mail to find a letter from Santa!
made cinnamon rolls to deliver to our families
wrapped the last few presents
made cookies for Santa
had dinner at my mother-in-laws where we also opened presents and had Christmas with them!

It was a lot of fun and we all got stuff we really needed and really love! We are so blessed by both our families!

We were so tired from such a busy day! More fun to come…

2012 here and here
and 2011 here
and 2010 here

Christmas{Part 1}

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 02:06:00 +0000

On Christmas Eve Eve, we went to our in-laws for dinner and church for the candlelight service. This is one of my most favorite Christmas traditions. It’s even more fun now that the kids are older. They really enjoy listening to the music and the Christmas story, and lighting their candles at the end. It’s so pretty to look across the church and see everyone’s candles lit. I love it!

Candlelight Service 2012

James & Pippa {2013}

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 02:05:00 +0000

They’re back! We missed them so much! It’s so funny how every time they show up, the kids immediately change their behavior. It’s awesome!

Day 1: James & Pippa arrived and filled the 1st door in our advent calendar for us!

Day 2: A Marshmallow message!

Day 4: Happy 4th Birthday Noah!

Day 10: Elves keeping their teeth clean.

Day 16: Helping Hannah color a picture she’d left out that day!

Day 24: They left a nice breakfast and some fun goodies for the kiddos with a goodbye note.

To see what they were up to last year:
Adventures of James and Pippa

Christmas Fun in Grapevine

noreply@blogger.com (TheCraftFam) — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 20:22:00 +0000

Last year we went to Grapevine with my mom and just walked around and had a blast with the kids. This year, we had to go back! We went to the Ice at Gaylord, and went to Christmas on Main Street in Grapevine and had dinner. It was a fun day!

We started out at the ICE! First. It was BEYOND freezing in there. It was fun at first, but quickly became unbearable for me and I wanted out!!

I thought we were done after the slides, and then I read this. I about had a panic attack. I was so.cold.

I’ve never been more excited to see baby Jesus in a manger. The END!
The kids had fun and it was really, really pretty and well done. I definitely would not go again for the price, though.

We needed something hot after that cold experience. So we stopped by the coffee shop and got hot chocolate and yummy gingerbread cookies.

Hannah was sort of over it…..

After finishing up at the Gaylord, we went out to Main street in Grapevine. We had dinner at the same Mexican food restaurant we ate at last year and walked around enjoying the sights after. We did a little dancing and some playing then it was time to head home!